Value is considered the strongest tool artists have to convey a sense of depth, perspective, form, and space. By using color values correctly artists can create the illusion of three dimensions on a flat surface with objects in the distance being lighter in color than those in the foreground. Using distinct value contrasts artists can also lead viewers through a painting and direct their attention to particular areas.
What is Color Value?
The term “value” refers to the relative darkness or lightness of a color, or the brightness of any color. Color value can be referenced on a scale with white at one end being the highest value and black at the other end being the lowest value.
Every element of a painting or drawing has value associated with it. Often the difference between a drawing or painting that works and one that doesn’t is in how the values have been used. For every artist it is important to understand color value and develop the ability to see variations in values.
Light, Distance and Color Value
The amount of light hitting an object effects its color value. A blue ball sitting in the shade has a darker value than a blue ball sitting in the sun. It’s the same blue ball but the one in the sun will register a brighter value to the eye.
Distance also has an effect on value. A green tree across the street has a darker value than the same green tree on a distant hillside. Again it is the same tree but the closer one will present a darker value to the eye.
Consider a painting showing a row of trees lining a path that goes away from the viewer. The color of the nearest tree will be the darkest value with each succeeding tree a value lighter as they fade into the distance. The proper use of value in this situation creates a three dimensional effect that leads the viewer’s eye into the painting and to the horizon.
Using a Simplified Value Scale
Creating a five-step black and white value scale simplifies the usual ten step scale which can be difficult and frustrating to produce. With a five step scale you begin by placing white at one end and black at the other. You then place a medium shade of gray in the number three box at the center of the scale.
In the number two box will be a shade of gray halfway between white and the medium gray color. In the number four box a value halfway between the medium gray color and black. The finished five step value scale must have values that are distinct and contrast with the value next to it.
Squinting to See Values
The average person can distinguish between 30 and 40 values of any color. That’s why squinting at a scene is so useful. Squinting serves two main purposes:
- it blurs the details so your eyes see simplified shapes
- it lessens the amount of color you are seeing while making it easier to see the main value changes.
While squinting at a scene, compare the values to the ones on the five-step value scale and see where they fall. Determine which are the darkest and which are the lightest. Compare adjacent shapes to see how they contrast with each other and where they fall on the value scale.
Using a Value Study
Creating a value study with a few basic shapes and four or five values helps understand a scene before beginning a drawing or painting. If the value study holds together as a pleasing abstract of shape and value the final project is likely to work as well.
Understanding color values is the key to creating successful three dimensional drawings and paintings that evoke emotional responses from viewers. Working with value scales and value studies are key to understanding color values and improving any artist’s skills.
Sources
- Price, Morgan Samuel, Oil Painting with a Basic Palette, North Light Books, Cincinnati OH. 1999
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